Subcutaneous Abscesses
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Our guide has been authored by qualified veterinarians, but should not be taken as substitute for medical advice or professional veterinary consultation. If your pet displays any unusual symptoms, we strongly advise seeking guidance from a veterinarian
Understanding Subcutaneous Abscesses in dogs and cats
An abscess is a term describing the accumulation of pus composed of inflammatory cells and often bacteria, forming a “pocket” within the body’s tissues. The abscess is essentially the immune system’s way of isolating a foreign invader and preventing it from spreading. Most abscesses appear in the subcutaneous tissue, which is why this article will focus on them. Abscesses are often accompanied by regional swelling and pain, and a large amount of pus is released when they rupture, creating an open wound. They can remain undetected under the animal’s fur for a bit and are eventually noticed when they grow to an easily visible size. Abscesses are common in pets and can be treated effectively, leading to a full recovery in most cases.
Ginger's story
While Ginger the cat is gentle and cuddly at home, once he enters the yard, he becomes a fierce defender against intruders. One evening, his owner saw Ginger fighting with a large stray cat. At first, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but then Ginger became tired, lost interest in food, and acted unusually irritable. The family took him to the vet, who noticed sensitivity around the back and a high fever. After sedating him, she located a warm, soft subcutaneous swelling near his lower spine. The vet explained this was an abscess likely caused by a bite wound. The vet shaved the area, disinfected it, and drained it carefully. Ginger was then cleaned up and given antibiotics and medication for the fever and pain, and was soon back to his old, energetic self.
Subcutaneous Abscesses's Causes: Uncovering Triggers
- Bite or scratch wounds: This is the most common cause of abscesses in cats and dogs. The natural presence of bacteria in their mouths and under their claws means that when a tooth or claw penetrates muscle or fat layers, it often seeds bacteria and triggers a strong immune response. These abscesses are particularly common in male cats prone to fighting or in dogs following bite incidents.They are most commonly found in locations such as the face, neck, paws, and lower back.
- Foreign bodies: Any foreign body penetrating the pet’s skin can provoke a reaction, leading to abscess formation in the area. Foxtails are a classic example, creating abscesses between a dog’s toes or, in thick-coated dogs and cats, along the sides of the body. These cases may go unnoticed until the abscess bursts. Another example is glass shards or splinters from stepping on debris.
- Injection reactions: Abscesses sometimes appear after vaccinations or other injections, either as a local reaction or from a related infection. Common sites are the neck, shoulders, or lower back, depending on where the injection was administered.
- Skin diseases: Some skin conditions, more common in dogs, can lead to deep skin inflammation and abscesses. Examples include pemphigus and pyoderma, which are common in German Shepherds. These cases are typically chronic and demand a more comprehensive approach.
Recognizing Subcutaneous Abscesses: Signs and Symptoms
- Localized swelling under the skin: often warm, soft, and painful to touch.
- Foul-smelling pus oozing from the skin
- A patch of skin that has fallen off, exposing underlying tissue
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
Subcutaneous Abscesses Diagnosis: How it's Identified
- Diagnosis involves locating a subcutaneous swelling filled with pus during physical exam. This can be challenging, especially if it’s located under thick fur, which may require shaving the area.
- In some cases, a sample of the fluid from the abscess is taken and examined under a microscope to reveal the presence of inflammatory cells and bacteria. The fluid can also be cultured to determine what bacteria is present and which antibiotics it will respond to.
- In rare cases where possible infection has spread into the abdomen or chest, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be recommended.
Treating Subcutaneous Abscesses: Options and Approaches
- The most effective abscess treatment is surgical intervention, which involves draining the pus and thoroughly flushing the area. Sedation or anesthesia is often required, as the animal is in pain.
- If non-viable tissue remains, debridement is performed to remove the damaged tissue and close the wound.
- If the infection isn’t fully drained, surgical drains may be inserted for a few days.
- If a foreign body is the suspected cause, locating and removing it during the procedure is essential.
- For recurring abscesses in the same area, biopsies and bacterial cultures are recommended to identify any skin conditions or infections causing the issue.
- Antibiotics are administered. For animals who won’t cooperate with owners for oral medication, a long-acting antibiotic injection can be given as a one-time treatment at the clinic. Antibiotics may be the primary treatment in certain cases, such as when the abscess has already ruptured or surgical treatment isn’t possible.
- It’s essential to include pain relief and fever medications since discomfort and symptoms like reduced appetite and dehydration often accompany abscesses. However, do not administer these medications without veterinary guidance. Common human drugs can be highly toxic to cats, so veterinary-specific medications are necessary.
Subcutaneous Abscesses: Surprising Facts
Abscesses are caused by various types of bacteria, depending on the cause. Staphylococcus naturally live on the skin and might trigger infections. Actinomyces may penetrate with plant parts, Pasteurella that exists in the pet’s mouth may be transmitted through bites, and Bartonella can be found in cat claws. We’ll often find multiple bacterial types in a single abscess.
The most common causes of abscesses are bite or scratch wounds, with foxtails as a close second- which is why we witness a rise in cases during the spring.
Over 90% of abscess cases fully heal within two weeks.
Vet's Tip: Dealing with Subcutaneous Abscesses
A frequent question is whether an Elizabethan collar is needed to prevent licking the wound after treatment. While licking an abscess has some benefits, including encouraging the pus pocket to open and renewing the damaged skin, it can also worsen the infection due to bacteria present in the mouth. Intense licking should be prevented since it can hinder healing. An Elizabethan collar (cone) is needed during the recovery period.
Other issues that owners don’t always appreciate involve shaving of the area to treat an abscess properly and inserting a drain or leaving the wound open to allow the pus to continue draining at home.
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Latest in Research and Treatments
In recent years, there’s been a growing focus on using antibiotics more responsibly to prevent pet health issues and the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In many abscess cases, intensive or prolonged antibiotic treatment may not be necessary. For example, in localized abscesses, cleaning and drainage may be sufficient.
Recent research also shows that many infections only require short-term antibiotic treatment of 3-5 days or until symptoms resolve. In specific cases, such as outdoor cats who are difficult to medicate consistently, a single antibiotic injection that lasts two weeks may be the best option. Still, it should be reserved for situations where it’s truly necessary.
dogs and cats breeds Prone to Subcutaneous Abscesses
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